I had never said anything so blunt in my life., Ernest paused, then replied indifferently,

"You're overthinking it.

", His words left me speechless., He turned around to slice a watermelon, placing the pieces so neatly on the plate. They looked like soldiers lined up for inspection. Staring at the watermelon, I suddenly wanted to explore his room again.

"Why aren't you eating? Thinking it'll satisfy your craving?

" Ethel teased as she approached., Ethel was something else. She would stand with her hands on her hips when scolding someone. She could be tender and thoughtful when she cared, cracking a dirty joke without batting an eye.,

"I was waiting for you. You went to bat for me earlier, and it must've been tough,

" I playfully handed Ethel a big slice of watermelon., Ethel didn't hesitate, biting into it.

"Sweet, but my blood sugar's through the roof. I can't have too much.

", I started eating my watermelon, but Ernest returned to his room and didn't come out again., When dinner time came, he left again. I wanted to ask if he would eat, but he moved so fast that I didn't get the chance to speak., Ethel hummed,

"Ernest's always been aloof and only opens up to someone who catches his eye. You're lucky.

", What did Ethel mean by that?, I didn't ask, but whatever Ernest did to my foot worked wonders. After a good night's sleep, the pain was gone., The following day, the house was eerily quiet. I stepped out in my slip dress, only to lock eyes with two pairs staring back at me from the stone table outside. Ernest quickly looked away, his ears turning red. I glanced down at my dress and felt my face heat up., I hurried back inside, but Ethel called out warmly,

"Licia, why go back in? Come have some oatmeal with us.

", After changing, I found Ernest had already left.

"Didn't he eat?

",

"You scared him off,

" Ethel teased, moving closer.

"Playing hard to get, aren't you?

", Ethel winked, and I knew what she was implying, but that wasn't my intention.,

"Ethel, at your age, aren't you too old for such dirty jokes?

" I teased back., Ethel feigned anger.

"What did you say? What's in my head? Have I been too nice to you, letting you insult me like that?

", I laughed.

"No, no, I'm admiring you. Even at your age, nothing gets past your sharp eyes.

",

"Then what's the deal with you and Ernest?

" Ethel's mood dictated how she referred to him., When looking at my feet, memories of another man who had once cared for them surfaced.

"Ethel, I'm not in the mood for love. It hurts too much.

",

"Hurt, huh?

" Ethel clicked her tongue.

"The best way to heal is to find someone new.

", Ethel's thoughts were surprisingly modern., I bit my lip.

"Not now. I only want some peace.

",

"Ah,

" Ethel sighed deeply.

"If you miss the chance, someone will be gone for life. It's up to you.

", After that, Ethel got up to wash her dishes, leaving me alone with my oatmeal., After eating, I rode off, not knowing whether Ernest had left or stayed in his room., When I returned in the evening, I found Ethel humming a tune, seemingly in a great mood., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.